Uplifting Artificial Plants: Add Green to Your Decor and Chase Away the Winter Blues

Plants are welcome during all seasons, but they are particularly appropriate in winter, when little else outside is growing. Even in parts of the country that don’t experience a deep winter freeze, house plants literally add life to your home’s decor.

But what if you’re not great at growing things? You forget to water, your rooms are too dim, your life is too busy.

Faux plants are a great decor addition for several reasons.

First, they require very little time and attention. They never need watering, fertilizer or repotting, so they’re ideal for people who are always on the go.

An artificial plant is a low-stress option for people with brown thumbs, since they never die! You can enjoy lush, green plants that don’t attract bugs or plant diseases, don’t turn brown, or drop leaves and don’t need repotting.

Faux indoor plants are the perfect decor accent for spots with little sunlight. Set an artificial plant in a dark corner or dreary hallway for a spark of color.

Faux house plants come in many shapes, sizes and plant varieties. You can find everything from small succulents to 4-foot palms to full-size trees, from figs to ferns, from silk tulips to topiaries.

When considering a faux plant, consider the area where it will be placed and choose a plant that’s the right proportion. A 6-inch succulent, for instance, is more appropriate for a table or desktop, while a potted palm is perfect for a foyer or living room.

Your new artificial plant may come in a basic black or green pot with fresh-from-the-garden-center vibes. Enhance your faux plant’s aesthetics and realism by placing it in your own decorative container.

While this may seem like a drawback, it can actually be a bonus, leaving you free to choose a planter that fits your decor and style. And you’re not limited by materials, either. Since the container doesn’t have to be waterproof, you can place your artificial house plant in a woven basket or wooden plant box without fear!

Faux plants may not need water or plant food, but they do require occasional care to help keep them looking their best.

Like everything else in your home, artificial plants eventually get dusty and dust makes a fake plant more obvious. Include your artificial house plants in your regular dusting routine and plan for occasional deeper cleaning.

Here’s how:

Swipe your artificial plants regularly with a microfiber duster or wipe leaves by hand with a soft cloth. A used dryer sheet works, too!

Use a soft, clean paintbrush for hard-to-reach crevices, especially for smaller plants, like fake succulents and cacti. Match the size of the paintbrush to the size of the plant.

The suction from a vacuum cleaner can damage many fake house plants. One alternative is to blow the dust off your plants using a hair dryer on the coolest setting. It may be best to do this outdoors.

The compressed air you use to keep your computer keyboard dust-free can also be helpful in cleaning your artificial plants.

Salt Shake

Even if you dust your artificial plants regularly, they may eventually need more in-depth care. A salt shake is a common method for cleaning artificial flowers and smaller plants with fabric leaves.

Place about one-half cup of salt in a sealable plastic bag or container large enough for your artificial plant. Seal tightly and give it a gentle shake. The salt acts as a mild abrasive to remove dust and dirt! Remove the plant or flower and gently shake, blow or brush away any excess salt clinging to the leaves. Reshape your flower or plant as necessary.

Shower

If you decide to give your artificial potted plant a shower, proceed with caution! Not all plastic plants are waterproof. Even if the leaves can handle getting wet, the branches, pot and other materials may not.

Always use a gentle spray of cool water, as heat may loosen adhesives used to adhere the leaves to the branches.

Dirt can eventually stain artificial silk flowers and faux plants with fabric leaves. Rubbing gently with a soft, damp cloth often will remove the blemish. Be aware, however, that the dyes on some silk plants can bleed when wet, so test clean an inconspicuous spot first.

If water doesn’t do the trick, try a 50/50 solution of water and white vinegar. Spray or wipe on the solution with a soft cloth and let sit a few minutes, then wipe clean. Some people also find success with rubbing alcohol. With either method, it’s always wise to test your solution on an inconspicuous part of the plant before using it on the entire plant. Detergent is not advised, since it could discolor your artificial plant.

If you haven’t looked at artificial plants recently, you may be surprised at the options available to add a realistic looking touch of greenery to your decor.

With a little knowledge on how to keep your artificial plants looking their best, the hardest thing about artificial plants may be narrowing your choices!

You may also like:

Versatile and Stunning: Unsung Topiary Works with Many Design Styles

Pretty Garden Planters that Will Really ‘Grow’ on You!